Bighorn Medicine Wheel

The Bighorn Medicine Wheel, situated in the majestic Bighorn National Forest of Wyoming, is a sacred and ancient Native American site that holds deep spiritual significance for many indigenous peoples. Perched atop Medicine Mountain at an elevation of over 9,600 feet, this remarkable stone structure is believed to be thousands of years old and serves as a powerful symbol of Native American culture, tradition, and connection to the land.

Constructed from carefully arranged limestone boulders, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel consists of a central cairn surrounded by 28 spokes radiating outward, forming a wheel-like pattern approximately 80 feet in diameter. Archaeologists and anthropologists believe that the Medicine Wheel was used by indigenous peoples for various ceremonial, astronomical, and navigational purposes, including vision quests, healing rituals, and tracking the movements of celestial bodies.

For many Native American tribes, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel remains a sacred site imbued with spiritual significance and cultural heritage. Visitors to the site are asked to approach with reverence and respect, honoring the traditions and beliefs of the indigenous peoples who consider the Medicine Wheel to be a place of prayer, reflection, and connection to the spiritual world.

While the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is open to the public and accessible via a scenic hiking trail, visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and leave no trace, preserving this ancient site for future generations to appreciate and cherish. Whether you're drawn to its mystical aura, its breathtaking mountain vistas, or its profound cultural significance, a visit to the Bighorn Medicine Wheel promises a memorable and meaningful experience steeped in history and reverence for the natural world.